My dog seriously needs to be taught some manners!

Right outside my shop is the nature path where Rosa can run off some of that aggressive energy.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

I love my customers.

I love going into their houses, and sharing a part of thier lives. I almost always discover something interesting and fun. Like the time I delivered a set of cushions and was given a tour of the living room and the collection of tin soldiers the man had collected. In the middle of the room was a handbuilt shadowbox coffee table displaying an elaborate battle scene with the different armies of soldiers. I also upholstered a bench for a woman who plays the sitar. The walls of her home are decorated with exotic and functional instruments made of gourds and wood, and other natural materials. She let me tap on some of the drums, and showed me how to make noises on the other instruments. When friends gather in her home, they take the instruments off the walls and out of the display cases and make music together! Recently I met Paula, whose chair I'm restoring and reupholstering. It belonged to her husbands mother and has sentimental value to the family. That got us talking about Craigs hobby of gun engraving. Excited, I asked her to send me photos - wow! Look at these!

Some "hobby", huh? This led to an invitation to join them at an annual shooting competition where they get dressed up in authentic cowboy duds and shoot these authentic guns. It was a beautiful day for it, and everyone I met was very nice. It was fun to watch - and lots of interesting gear!

Another customer I've gotten to know is an artist, her medium, at present, is felt. She does some wonderful felting, and uses it to upholster simple chairs and stools. This is her work - and also her hand at upholstery. I love this job for the satisfaction it brings, working with my hands and my creativity, and connecting with others who have their own passions.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Here's a pretty toile slipcover I made last week. We talked about what style of skirt, but the customer really didn't want one at all.In the past I have achieved this upholstered look by adding velcro to the underside of the frame and securing the hem to that. On this one, however, is held in place by the tightness of that bottom welt. Every sofa has it's own personality!